Magnetic tape cartridge library apparatus

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a magnetic tape cartridge library apparatus wherein the space can be utilized effectively to allow accommodation of an increased number of tape cartridges. The magnetic tape cartridge library apparatus includes a cartridge magazine for removably accommodating a plurality of magnetic tape cartridges in a plurality of stages in a vertical direction therein, a magnetic tape deck for reading or writing data from or onto a magnetic tape cartridge loaded therein, a hand apparatus disposed on the front side of the magnetic tape deck, and a magazine feeding mechanism for feeding the cartridge magazine forwardly or rearwardly on one of the left and right sides of the hand apparatus. The hand apparatus is operable to insert or take out a magnetic tape cartridge into or from the cartridge magazine and transport the magnetic tape cartridge between the cartridge magazine and the magnetic tape deck.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a magnetic tape libraryapparatus, and more particularly to a magnetic tape library apparatuswhich includes a movable cartridge magazine.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] A magnetic tape cartridge library apparatus (hereinafter referredto merely as tape library apparatus) is conventionally known whichincludes a magnetic recording and reproduction apparatus (hereinafterreferred to merely as tape deck) which performs recording andreproduction processes onto and from a magnetic tape medium (hereinafterreferred to merely as magnetic tape) and an automatic recording mediumloading apparatus which automatically loads and unloads such a recordingmedium as a magnetic tape cartridge (hereinafter referred to merely astape cartridge) into and from the magnetic recording and reproductionapparatus by means of a hand apparatus. However, where the handapparatus is provided on the front side of the magnetic tape deck(hereinafter referred to merely as tape deck), even if a free space canbe provided on the opposite left and right sides of the tape deck, thefree spaces on the opposite left and right sides of the tape deck cannotbe used for accommodation of cartridges because the hand apparatuscannot advance into the free spaces.

[0005]FIG. 9 shows an example of a conventional automatic recordingmedium loading apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.276828/2000. Referring to FIG. 9, the automatic recording medium loadingapparatus 100 shown includes a recording and reproduction apparatus(tape deck) 103 for performing a recording process and a reproductionprocess into and from a tape cassette 102 loaded in an apparatus body101 thereof, a cassette accommodating rack 104 for accommodating aplurality of tape cassettes 102 in parallel to each other in a verticalposture at the same height therein, a box-shaped rack case 106 forfixedly accommodating the cassette accommodating rack 104 therein, atable 109 having the rack case 106 placed thereon, a rack feedingmechanism 110 for feeding the table 109 leftwardly and rightwardly infront of the recording and reproduction apparatus (tape deck) 103, and aloading mechanism 105 for transporting a tape cassette 102 between thecassette accommodating rack 104 and the recording and reproductionapparatus 103. The cassette accommodating rack 104 is disposedintegrally with the recording and reproduction apparatus 103.

[0006] In the automatic recording medium loading apparatus 100, a tapecassette 102 can be transported directly from the recording andreproduction apparatus 103 to the cassette accommodating rack 104.Consequently, the space required for transportation of a tape cassette102 is small, and the automatic recording medium loading apparatus canbe formed with a small size and the time required for the transportationcan be reduced.

[0007] In the conventional automatic recording medium loading apparatus100, however, since a plurality of tape cassettes 102 are accommodatedin parallel to each other in a vertical posture at the same height inthe cassette accommodating rack 104 and the cassette accommodating rack104 is fed leftwardly and rightwardly together with the rack case 106 toeffect exchange of a tape cassette 102, the number of tape cassettes 102which can be accommodated in the cassette accommodating rack 104 islimited, and a great number of tape cassettes cannot be handled.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a magnetictape cartridge library apparatus wherein the space can be utilizedeffectively to allow accommodation of an increased number of tapecartridges.

[0009] In order to attain the object described above, according to thepresent invention, there is provided a magnetic tape cartridge libraryapparatus, comprising a cartridge magazine for removably accommodating aplurality of magnetic tape cartridges in a plurality of stages in avertical direction therein, a magnetic tape deck for reading or writingdata from or onto a magnetic tape cartridge loaded therein, a handapparatus disposed on the front side of the magnetic tape deck, and amagazine feeding mechanism for feeding the cartridge magazine forwardlyor rearwardly on one of the left and right sides of the hand apparatus,the hand apparatus being operable to insert or take out a magnetic tapecartridge into or from the cartridge magazine and transport the magnetictape cartridge between the cartridge magazine and the magnetic tapedeck.

[0010] Preferably, the magnetic tape cartridge library apparatus furthercomprises an additional cartridge magazine, and an additional magazinefeeding mechanism for transporting a magnetic tape cartridge between theadditional cartridge magazine and the magnetic tape deck, the twocartridge magazines being disposed on the opposite left and right sidesof the hand apparatus. The magnetic tape cartridge library apparatus mayfurther comprise a second additional cartridge magazine disposed on thefront side of the hand apparatus.

[0011] The cartridge magazine may have a plurality of slots formedtherein each for removably receiving a magnetic tape cartridge in ahorizontal posture, the slots being disposed in a plurality of stages ina vertical direction and in a plurality of rows along a direction alongwhich the magazine feeding mechanism feeds the magnetic cartridgemagazine. The slots of the cartridge magazine may have a plurality ofdifferent sizes so that magnetic tape cartridges of different sizes maybe accommodated in the cartridge magazine.

[0012] The hand apparatus may include a picker apparatus for graspingand removably inserting a magnetic tape cartridge into the cartridgemagazine and loading the magnetic tape cartridge into the magnetic tapedeck, a lifter mechanism for moving the picker apparatus upwardly anddownwardly, and a swiveling mechanism for changing the direction of themagnetic tape cartridge grasped by the picker apparatus.

[0013] The magazine feeding mechanism may feed the cartridge magazineforwardly or rearwardly along a rail. In this instance, the magazinefeeding mechanism may include a toothed rack formed on a bottom portionof the cartridge magazine, a drive gear for meshing with the toothedrack, and a motor for rotating the drive gear, or may include a movabletable movable forwardly and rearwardly along a rail with a cartridgemagazine placed thereon and having a toothed rack provided at a bottomportion thereof, a drive gear for meshing with the toothed rack, and amotor for rotating the drive gear.

[0014] With the magnetic tape library apparatus, since the cartridgemagazine for accommodating magnetic tape cartridges therein is disposedfor movement forwardly and rearwardly at least on one of the oppositeleft and right sides of the hand apparatus, the space in the magnetictape cartridge library apparatus can be made the most of, and therefore,the magnetic tape library apparatus can accommodate an increased numberof tape cartridges therein.

[0015] Further, since tape cartridges are accommodated in a plurality ofstages in a horizontal posture, the distance of feeding movement of thecartridge magazine can be reduced when compared with an alternative casewherein tape cartridges are accommodated in a vertical posture.Consequently, a mechanism for moving a tape cartridge in the forward orbackward direction from the hand apparatus which transports a tapecartridge to the magnetic tape deck can be omitted.

[0016] It is to be noted that, where the present invention is applied, aspace for moving the cartridge magazine is required. However, since thehand apparatus itself does not move but remains at a fixed position,tape cartridges can be accommodated not only in the spaces on theopposite sides of the tape deck but also in the space in front of thehand apparatus. This further increases the number of tape cartridgeswhich can be accommodated.

[0017] The above and other objects, features and advantages of thepresent invention will become apparent from the following descriptionand the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings in which like parts or elements are denoted by like referencesymbols.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018]FIG. 1 is a perspective view as viewed from an obliquely upwardposition of a tape library apparatus to which the present invention isapplied;

[0019]FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the tape library apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG.3 is a perspective view showing a cartridge magazine used inthe tape library apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0021]FIG. 4 is a perspective view as viewed from an obliquely downwardposition of the tape library apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0022]FIG. 5 is a partial enlarged view of the tape library apparatusshown in FIG. 4;

[0023]FIG. 6 is a perspective view as viewed from an obliquely upwardposition of another tape library apparatus which is a modification tothe tape library apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0024]FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a cartridge magazine of thetape library apparatus of FIG. 6;

[0025]FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a movable table of the tapelibrary apparatus of FIG. 6; and

[0026]FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an example of a conventionalautomatic recording medium loading apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a tape libraryapparatus to which the present invention is applied. The tape libraryapparatus 1 shown includes a housing 1 a, and a tape deck 2 for readingand writing data from and onto a magnetic tape of a tape cartridge 3, apower supply 4 serving as a driving source, a control apparatus 5 forcontrolling operation of the tape library apparatus 1, a hand apparatus6 and a pair of left and right cartridge magazines 20 all accommodatedin the housing 1 a.

[0028] The hand apparatus 6 is mounted on a bottom face of the housing 1a through a post not shown on the front side of the tape deck 2, andgrasps a tape cartridge 3 and inserts and takes out it into and out ofthe tape deck 2 and the cartridge magazines 20.

[0029] The left and right cartridge magazines 20 are disposed forbackward and forward movement on the bottom face of the housing 1 a onthe opposite left and right sides of the hand apparatus 6. Each of thecartridge magazines 20 is horizontally moved forwardly and backwardly asindicated by a double-sided arrow mark a in FIGS. 1 and 2 on and alongtwo rails 7 laid on the bottom face of the housing 1 a when a motor 8 isdriven. The motors 8 are attached to the housing 1 a each by means of abracket not shown.

[0030] A plurality of slots 21 each for accommodating a tape cartridge 3in a horizontal posture therein are formed in a plurality of stages in avertical direction in two front and rear rows in each of the left andright cartridge magazines 20. Further, a toothed rack 22 is formed on alower face of the bottom of each of the left and right cartridgemagazines 20.

[0031] Also on the front side of the hand apparatus 6, a front sidecartridge magazine 20 is disposed. The cartridge magazine 20 has aplurality slots formed in a plurality of stages in a vertical directionbut in a row.

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a pinion 10 and pulleys 9 for guidinga belt 11 are supported for rotation each by means of a shaft not shownon the bottom face of the housing 1 a of the tape library apparatus 1.The pinion 10 serves as a drive gear which meshes with the toothed rack22 of the cartridge magazine 20 for moving the cartridge magazine 20forwardly and backwardly, and rotation of the motor 8 is transmitted tothe pinion 10 through the belt 11.

[0033] The hand apparatus 6 includes three mechanisms not shownincluding a picker mechanism for grasping and removably inserting a tapecartridge 3 into any of the cartridge magazines 20 and loading the tapecartridge 3 into the tape deck 2, a lifter mechanism for moving thepicker mechanism upwardly and downwardly as indicated by a double-sidedarrow mark b in FIG. 1, and a swiveling mechanism for turning thedirection of the tape cartridge 3 taken out by the picker mechanism asindicated by a double-sided arrow mark c together with the pickermechanism. The hand apparatus 6 having such a configuration as justdescribed is known in the art, and an existing hand apparatus of thetype described can be used as it is.

[0034] Now, operation of the tape library apparatus 1 is described.

[0035] Since the picker mechanism of the hand apparatus 6 is turned to adifferent direction by the swiveling mechanism and moved upwardly ordownwardly by the lifter mechanism, while it remains at a fixedposition, it can insert or take out a tape cartridge 3 into or from anyof the slots of the cartridge magazine 20 installed fixedly on the frontside thereof. Meanwhile, with regard to each of the left and rightcartridge magazines 20, the picker mechanism can insert or take out atape cartridge 3 into or from any of the slots 21 in that one of therows which is opposed to the picker mechanism.

[0036] In particular, since the driving of the left and right motors 8is controlled separately from each other by the control apparatus 5, theleft and right cartridge magazines 20 are horizontally fed forwardly andbackwardly separately from each other as indicated by arrow marks a inFIG. 1 so that the two front and rear slots 21 of them can be switchablyopposed to the hand apparatus 6 separately from each other. In FIG. 2,it is shown that the slots 21 in the front row of the left sidecartridge magazine 20 are positioned such that a tape cartridge can beinserted into or taken out of any of them by the picker mechanism of thehand apparatus 6 while the slots 21 in the rear row of the right sidecartridge magazine 20 are positioned such that a tape cartridge can beinserted into or taken out of any of them by the picker mechanism of thehand apparatus 6.

[0037] In the tape library apparatus 1 described above, since the spaceson the opposite left and right sides of the tape deck 2 can be utilizedfor accommodation of tape cartridges as seen in FIG. 2, an increasednumber of cartridges can be accommodated. Further, since a space foraccommodating tape cartridges can be provided also on the front and rearsides of the hand apparatus, a tape cartridge can be inserted into ortaken out of the tape library apparatus 1 from the front side of thetape library apparatus 1 without taking out the cartridge magazine fromthe tape library apparatus 1. Consequently, a tape cartridge can beinserted into and taken out of the tape library apparatus 1 readily.

[0038] Now, a modification to the tape library apparatus 1 describedabove is described. In the tape library apparatus 1 described above, thetoothed rack 22 is provided on the lower face of the bottom portion ofeach of the cartridge magazines 20 as shown in FIG. 3. In the modifiedtape library apparatus, however, a movable table 13 in the form of aplate is provided for back and forth sliding movement along a pair ofrails 7 and a cartridge magazine 12 having no toothed rack thereon asseen in FIG. 7 is placed on the movable table 13. A toothed rack 13 a isformed on a lower face of the movable table 13 as shown in FIG. 8 andmeshes with the pinion shown in FIG. 5.

[0039] With the modified tape library apparatus having the configurationdescribed above, the cartridge magazine can be simplified in shape andproduced at a reduced cost. Further, where a toothed rack is provided onthe cartridge magazine 20 as shown in FIG. 3, there is the possibilitythat, when the cartridge magazine 20 is taken out from the apparatus,since the toothed rack 22 provided on the bottom of the cartridgemagazine 20 is exposed to the outside, it may interfere with and bedamaged by some member. In contrast, where the cartridge magazine andthe toothed rack are formed as separate members as in the modified tapelibrary apparatus shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, such otherwise possible damageto the toothed rack can be prevented.

[0040] It is to be noted that, while both of the tape library apparatus1 and the modified tape library apparatus include a pair of cartridgemagazines disposed on the opposite left and right sides of the handapparatus, it is otherwise possible to provide a cartridge magazine ormagazines on only one side of the hand apparatus. Further, if slots of adifferent size are provided on one of the cartridge magazines or at partof one or both of the cartridge magazines, then cartridges of differentsizes can be accommodated in a classified fashion. Further, also where aplurality of tape decks 2 are disposed in a vertically overlappingrelationship as seen in FIG. 6, a tape cartridge can be inserted into ortaken out from each of the tape decks 2 by the hand apparatus 6.

[0041] While a preferred embodiment of the present invention has beendescribed using specific terms, such description is for illustrativepurposes only, and it is to be understood that changes and variationsmay be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A magnetic tape cartridge library apparatus,comprising: a cartridge magazine for removably accommodating a pluralityof magnetic tape cartridges in a plurality of stages in a verticaldirection therein; a magnetic tape deck for reading or writing data fromor onto a magnetic tape cartridge loaded therein; a hand apparatusdisposed on the front side of said magnetic tape deck; and a magazinefeeding mechanism for feeding said cartridge magazine forwardly orrearwardly on one of the left and right sides of said hand apparatus;said hand apparatus being operable to insert or take out a magnetic tapecartridge into or from said cartridge magazine and transport themagnetic tape cartridge between said cartridge magazine and saidmagnetic tape deck.
 2. A magnetic tape cartridge library apparatus asclaimed in claim 1, further comprising an additional cartridge magazine,and an additional magazine feeding mechanism for transporting a magnetictape cartridge between said additional cartridge magazine and saidmagnetic tape deck, the two cartridge magazines being disposed on theopposite left and right sides of said hand apparatus.
 3. A magnetic tapecartridge library apparatus as claimed in claim 2, further comprising asecond additional cartridge magazine disposed on the front side of saidhand apparatus.
 4. A magnetic tape cartridge library apparatus asclaimed in claim 1, wherein said cartridge magazine has a plurality ofslots formed therein each for removably receiving a magnetic tapecartridge in a horizontal posture, said slots being disposed in aplurality of stages in a vertical direction and in a plurality of rowsalong a direction along which said magazine feeding mechanism feeds saidmagnetic cartridge magazine.
 5. A magnetic tape cartridge libraryapparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein said slots of said cartridgemagazine have a plurality of different sizes.
 6. A magnetic tapecartridge library apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said handapparatus includes a picker apparatus for grasping and removablyinserting a magnetic tape cartridge into said cartridge magazine andloading the magnetic tape cartridge into said magnetic tape deck, alifter mechanism for moving said picker apparatus upwardly anddownwardly, and a swiveling mechanism for changing the direction of themagnetic tape cartridge grasped by said picker apparatus.
 7. A magnetictape cartridge library apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidmagazine feeding mechanism feeds said cartridge magazine forwardly orrearwardly along a rail.
 8. A magnetic tape cartridge library apparatusas claimed in claim 7, wherein said magazine feeding mechanism includesa toothed rack formed on a bottom portion of said cartridge magazine, adrive gear for meshing with said toothed rack, and a motor for rotatingsaid drive gear.
 9. A magnetic tape cartridge library apparatus asclaimed in claim 7, wherein said magazine feeding mechanism includes amovable table movable forwardly and rearwardly along a rail with acartridge magazine placed thereon and having a toothed rack provided ata bottom portion thereof, a drive gear for meshing with said toothedrack, and a motor for rotating said drive gear.